Search Results (245)

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems (traditional types such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows; emerging types such as tidal flats and mariculture) play pivotal roles in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Reliable assessment of the spatial and temporal variation and the carbon storage potential holds immense promise for mitigating climate change. Although previous field surveys and regional assessments have improved the understanding of individual habitats, most studies remain site-specific and short-term; comprehensive, multi-decadal assessments that integrate all major coastal blue carbon systems at the national scale are still scarce for China. In this study, we integrated 30 m Landsat imagery (1992–2022), processed on Google Earth Engine with a random forest classifier; province-specific, literature-derived carbon density data with quantified uncertainty (mean ± standard deviation); and the InVEST model to track coastal China’s mangroves, salt marshes, tidal flats, and mariculture to quantify their associated carbon stocks. Then the GeoDetector was applied to distinguish the natural and anthropogenic drivers of carbon stock change. Results showed rapid and divergent land use change over the past three decades, with mariculture expanded by 44%, becoming the dominant blue carbon land use; whereas tidal flats declined by 39%, mangroves and salt marshes exhibited fluctuating upward trends. National blue carbon stock rose markedly from 74 Mt C in 1992 to 194 Mt C in 2022, with Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian holding the largest provincial stock; Jiangsu and Guangdong showed higher increasing trends. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was the primary driver of spatial variability in carbon stock change (q = 0.63), followed by precipitation and temperature. Synergistic interactions were also detected, e.g., NDVI and precipitation, enhancing the effects beyond those of single factors, which indicates that a wetter climate may boost NDVI’s carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the urgency of strengthening ecological red lines, scaling climate-smart restoration of mangroves and salt marshes, and promoting low-impact mariculture. Our workflow and driver diagnostics provide a transferable template for blue carbon monitoring and evidence-based coastal management frameworks. Full article

In wireless communications and radio frequency courses, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) offer students hands-on experience with software-based signal processing on programmable hardware platforms such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). While some remote SDR laboratories enable students to access real hardware, they typically lack support for Partial Reconfiguration (PR)—a powerful FPGA capability that allows sections of a design to be reconfigured at runtime without disrupting the main system operation. This capability enhances real-time adaptability and optimizes resource utilization, making it highly relevant for modern SDR applications. This study addresses this gap by extending an existing SDR remote lab to support PR, enabling students to explore reconfigurable hardware design within a remote learning environment. Two integration architectures were developed: one based on a graphical user interface (UI) and another utilizing a command-line workflow, both accessible via a web browser. Preliminary experiments using Red Pitaya SDR platforms—reportedly the first use of these devices for educational PR exploration—examined the impact of PR on logic resource utilization and total power consumption across three levels of design complexity. These results were compared to equivalent static FPGA designs performing the same functionality without PR. By making PR experimentation accessible through a remote platform, this work enhances STEM education by bridging advanced FPGA techniques with practical learning. It will equip students with industry-relevant skills for developing agile, resource-efficient wireless systems and foster a deeper understanding of adaptive hardware design. Full article

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are critical in clinical use for treating severe infections, but they can occasionally cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. To establish a rational pathway for otoprotectant discovery, we provide an integrated, three-tier methodology—comprising cell-model selection, transcriptomic analysis, and a gentamicin–Texas Red (GTTR) uptake assay—to guide the development of otoprotective strategies. We first utilized two murine auditory cell lines—UB/OC-2 and HEI-OC1. We focused on TMC1 and OCT2 and further explored the underlying mechanisms of ototoxicity. UB/OC-2 exhibited a higher sensitivity to gentamicin, which correlated with elevated OCT2 expression confirmed via RT-PCR and Western blot. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of PI3K-Akt, calcium, and GPCR-related stress pathways in gentamicin-treated HEI-OC1 cells. Protein-level analysis further confirmed that gentamicin suppressed phosphorylated Akt while upregulating ER stress markers (GRP78, CHOP) and apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase 3, PARP). Co-treatment with PI3K inhibitors (LY294002, wortmannin) further suppressed Akt phosphorylation, supporting the role of PI3K-Akt signaling in auditory cells. To visualize drug entry, we used GTTR to evaluate its applicability as a fluorescence-based uptake assay in these cell lines, which were previously employed mainly in cochlear explants. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly decreased GTTR uptake, suggesting a protective effect against gentamicin-induced hair cell damage. In conclusion, our findings showed a complex ototoxic cascade involving OCT2- and TMC1-mediated drug uptake, calcium imbalance, ER stress, and disruption of PI3K-Akt survival signaling. We believe that UB/OC-2 cells serve as a practical in vitro model for mechanistic investigations and screening of otoprotective compounds. Additionally, GTTR may be a simple, effective method for evaluating protective interventions in auditory cell lines. Overall, this study provides molecular-level insights into aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity and introduces a platform for protective strategies. Full article

Marine tunicates are a very attractive and abundant source of secondary metabolites with chemical diversity and biological activity. Fractionation and purification of the organic extract of the Red Sea tunicate Didemnum species resulted in the isolation and identification of three new compounds, didemnosides A and B (1 and 2) and 1,1′,3,3′-bisuracil (3), together with thymidine (4), 2′-deoxyuridine (5), homarine (6), and acetamide (7). Planar structures of the compounds were explained through analyses of their 1D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2D (¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR spectra and high-resolution mass spectral determinations. Compound 1 exhibited the highest growth inhibition toward the MCF-7 cancer cell line with IC₅₀ values of 0.597 μM, while other compounds were inactive (≥50 μM) against this cell line. On the other hand, compounds 1, 2, and 4–7 moderately inhibited SW-1222 and PC-3 cells with IC₅₀ values ranging between 5.25 and 9.36 μM. Molecular docking analyses of the top three active compounds on each tested cell line exposed stable interactions into the active pockets of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), human topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) which are contemplated as essential targets in cancer treatments. Thus, compound 1 represents a scaffold for the development of more effective anticancer drugs. Full article

Background: This study investigates the cytotoxicity of microbial polyketides biosynthesized by Monascus species through both in silico and in vitro approaches. Methods: Six main know Monascus-derived polyketides were analysed in silico an an vitro. Results: In silico tests reveal that the main derived compounds exhibit lipophilic properties, indicating their potential suitability as active ingredients in dermato-cosmetic formulations. In silico tests revealed significant flexibility and high degrees of unsaturation for some Monascus-derived polyketides, suggesting a broad interaction potential and a propensity for chemical instability. In silico permeability tests indicated low epidermal penetration. Cytotoxicity assays conducted in vitro on a HaCaT cell line revealed varying levels of cytotoxicity among the three classes of fungal polyketides. Yellow polyketides derived from Monascus purpureus and Monascus ruber exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, while orange polyketides derived from the same strains showed low cytotoxicity. Red, orange, and yellow polyketides derived from a high-productive Monascus sp. genus showed low or negligible cytotoxicity. After 48 h of exposure, the cytotoxic profiles of all Monascus polyketides remained relatively stable. The IC₅₀ values obtained through linear or nonlinear models supplied by EXCEL MS Office or for the Systat programme indicated moderate-to-low cytotoxicity for polyketides derived from Monascus ruber and Monascus purpureus. The bioproducts derived from high-productive Monascus sp. exhibited weak or negligible cytotoxicity. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that the Monascus-derived polyketides possess promising properties for therapeutic and cosmetic applications, but their chemical stability must be considered in the case of dermatological formulations. Full article

Confronting escalating urban ecological risks, this study investigates ecosystem resilience evolution in the Jinan metropolitan area’s mountain–plain structure. We establish a Resistance–Adaptability–Resilience (RAR) framework integrating ecosystem service value and landscape patterns. Using Optimal Multi-layered Geo-Detector and Markov–FLUS modeling, we quantify natural–socio-economic interactions and simulate resilience under three scenarios: inertial development, cultivated land protection, and ecological priority. The results show fluctuating resilience (0.1863→0.1876→0.1863) with functional intensification in high-value areas and escalating vulnerability in low-value regions, alongside the spatial dichotomy between the resilient southern mountains and northern plains, dominated by natural factors. Cultivated land protection degrades mountain resilience via slope farming, while ecological priority stabilizes it through transitional controls. The proposed “resilience red line–development permit” mechanism demonstrates terrain and policy integration optimizing resilience allocation. This framework offers strategies to reconcile ecological conservation and farmland security in urbanizing regions. Full article

Fresh-cut vegetables are gaining economic importance around the world. They are highly perishable products, and in the context of global food waste challenges, any new solutions to reduce losses are in line with the expectations of producers, traders, and consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hot water treatment (HWT) on the quality and durability of two varieties of fresh-cut peppers at three storage temperatures: 3, 5, and 8 °C. Microscopic observations revealed changes in the tissue structure of the pepper sticks. During the storage of red-fruit “Yecla” peppers, the HWT samples retained better firmness. The peppers treated at 55 °C for 12 s maintained the best quality during storage. Cream-fruit “Blondy” peppers softened during storage, but the browning of the cut surface contributed the most to the reduction in quality. HWT at 53 °C for 3 min or 50 °C for 5 min effectively inhibited the development of destructive changes during storage. HWT is beneficial for fresh-cut peppers, but the temperature and duration of operation should be properly selected given the nature of the cultivar. Full article

Mortality from Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infection results in economic loss for the poultry industry. It is controlled by vaccination, but the virus mutates and becomes more virulent. Variation within the MHC is well known to impact the outcomes following MDV infection from research performed utilizing the White Leghorn breed, with laboratory strains of the virus. The effect of the MHC haplotype following MDV challenge was determined from six lines of commercial elite (White Plymouth Rock (two), White Leghorn (three), and Rhode Island Red (one)) egg layer lines, challenged with vv+ virus. Mortality was recorded as sire daughter averages at 16–18 weeks of age from 19 generations of data. Sires were genotyped using a set of MHC-specific SNPs, encompassing 210,000 bp. Across all lines, there was a total of 23 unique MHC haplotypes, of which 15 were found at a frequency greater than 5% and used for further analysis. A significant impact on mortality was found for 16 of the haplotypes, with 9 haplotypes associated with decreased mortality and 7 haplotypes with increased mortality. There were three haplotypes identified in more than one line, allowing cross-line comparisons. The effect of these common haplotypes was consistent (either negative, positive or neutral) between lines. Full article

Mn(III)– and Co(III)–salen complexes (Mn-1 and Co-2) have been synthesized by a simple one-pot procedure through oxidation of Mn(II) and Co(II) precursors in air. X-ray structural analysis reveals that both complexes adopt similar coordination modes, including a typical square planar metal/salen coordination sphere, which is further occupied by two axial ligands, i.e., an acetate anion and a water molecule. Despite their structural similarity, they are not isomorphous given their distinct cell parameters. In the solid-state structures, both complexes exist as hydrogen-bonded dimers through hydrogen bonding interactions between the axially coordinating water molecules and outer O₄ cavity from another molecule of the complex. The reductive activity of both complexes has been explored. While the reaction of Mn-1 with potassium triethylborohydride was unsuccessful, leading to a complicated mixture, the use of Co-2 furnished the formation of a novel product (CoK-3) that was isolated as red crystals in reasonable yield. CoK-3 was characterized as a heterometallic dimer involving the coordination of a K⁺ ion within the O₄ cavity of a semi-hydrogenated salen/cobalt complex while the cobalt center has been reduced from Co(III) to Co(II). In addition, an attempt at reducing Co-2 with pinacolborane resulted in the isolation of crystals of Co-4, whose structure was determined as a simple square planar Co^II–salen complex. Finally, three complexes (Mn-1, Co-2 and CoK-3) have been investigated for their cytotoxic activities against two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 468) and a normal breast epitheliel cell line (MCF-10A), with cisplatin used as a reference in order to discover potential drug candidates that may compete with cisplatin. The results reveal that Co-2 can be a promising drug candidate, specifically for the MCF-7 cancer cells, with minimal damage to healthy cells. Full article

Internalization of nanoparticles (NPs), including nanoplastic, is one of the key factors determining their toxicity. In this work, we studied the toxicity and mechanisms of the uptake of model fluorescent polystyrene NPs (PS NPs) of three different sizes (30, 50, and 100 nm) in three human cancer cells lines; two originated from gut tissue (HT-29 and Caco-2) and one originated from liver tissue (Hep G2). Toxicity was measured by Neutral Red Assay (NRU), whereas mechanisms of uptake were studied using flow cytometry and different uptake inhibitors. The toxicity of the studied NPs followed a general rule observed for NPs—the smaller ones were more toxic than the larger ones. This relationship was dose dependent; however, the overall toxicity of the studied NPs was very low, despite the significant uptake of PS NPs. Although clathrin- and caveolin-dependent uptake is generally accepted as a major route of NP uptake, the inhibition of both mechanisms did not affect PS NP uptake in the cell lines studied in this work. Further experiments revealed that the major route of PS NP uptake in these cells is a scavenger receptor-mediated uptake. Full article

In this study, we systematically investigated the mechanisms of the antioxidation and anti-lipid accumulation effects of antioxidant peptides from Litsea cubeba on a free fatty acid (FFA)-induced NAFLD model of HepG2 cells. The NAFLD cell model was constructed by inducing the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with 0.5 mmol/L FFAs, and AQRDAGLL, QEGPFVR, and DVPPPRGPL were given to the culture to study their lipid-lowering and antioxidant activities on NAFLD cells. The lipid-lowering activities of the three antioxidant peptides were evaluated by Oil Red O staining and TG and TC content assays, and the results showed that all three peptides had strong ameliorating effects on FFA-induced lipid accumulation in NAFLD cells. The intracellular antioxidant protease (CAT, GSH, and SOD) activity levels and lipid peroxidation (MDA) content were measured and intracellular ROS levels were detected. The results showed that after intervention with the antioxidant peptides, the intracellular ROS levels in the NAFLD model cells were significantly reduced, the SOD and CAT activities were increased, the GSH content was elevated, and the MDA content was reduced, which indicated that AQRDAGLL, QEGPFVR, and DVPPPRGPL were able to inhibit the oxidative stress of the cells effectively and to achieve the effect of intervening in NAFLD. JC-1 fluorescence staining experiments showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential function of NAFLD cells was restored under the effect of the antioxidant peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the main driving force between QEGPFVR and Keap1 protein was van der Waals forces, ΔG = −62.11 kcal/mol, which indicated that QEGPFVR was capable of spontaneously binding to Keap1 protein. Full article

Crop production is directly associated with the improvement of germplasm, which is mainly reliant on genetic diversity. Diversity among various genotypes has been investigated employing a variety of statistical approaches. The most widely utilized of these methods for determining the genetic overlap of genotypes is multivariate. In the present investigation, a total of 27 onion genotypes/advanced lines/varieties comprising high and low total soluble solids (TSS) white onion lines along with red varieties were evaluated at the ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research station. Data were recorded on seven biochemical parameters. In multivariate analysis, genotypes were clustered into three major groups: the first group comprised thirteen genotypes with high TSS; however, the second group (eight) comprised low TSS white onion genotypes, and in the third group (six), mostly red varieties were clubbed together. The analysis primarily focused on the trait TSS; it was significantly associated with the antioxidant assay 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) AE, while total sugar content was positively associated with the antioxidant assay 2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid)ABTS. In principal component analysis (PCA), the first three principal components (PCs) with >1 Eigen value contributed 71.36% of the variability among genotypes. Characters with a maximum value at PC1 were total soluble solids (0.48), antioxidant capacity AE DPPH (0.46), and total sugar content (0.49). PC2 comprises total phenolic content (0.62) and total flavonoid content (0.62); for PC3, the major contributors were thiosulfinate content (0.82) and antioxidant capacity ABTS (0.32). From the findings of the present study, the best-performing high TSS lines can be used for advancement through strongly correlated traits using breeding strategies. These sorted high TSS lines (W-103, W-107, and W-123) (>22 °Brix.), high-sugar-content genotypes (W-108, W-111, and W-308), and W-361, which recorded high thiosulfinate content, can be advanced or used as parental material for the development of processing-suitable onion varieties. Full article

This work successfully synthesized green zinc oxide nanoparticles using extracts from strawberry guava leaves (Psidium cattleianum Sabine). Additionally, the reducing effect of the antioxidant extracts obtained through traditional techniques, such as infusion and maceration, was studied and compared against an emerging unconventional technology like ultrasound assisted extraction. Regarding the physical and chemical characteristics, it was found that all three systems were confined within a wavelength range of 357 to 370 nm (UV-vis) and sizes from 60 to 140 nm for the ultrasound-assisted nanoparticles (SEM), corroborated with DLS (134 ± 60 nm). Through X-ray diffraction, the hexagonal wurtzite structure was elucidated, and it was observed that ultrasound favored a higher percentage of crystallinity (98%) compared to the infusion (84%) and maceration (72%). This could be correlated with different functional groups via FTIR and with thermal events associated with thermogravimetric curves, where the total biomass weight loss was lower for nanoparticles using ultrasound extract (6.25%), followed by maceration (15.55%) and infusion (18.01%) extracts. Furthermore, these nanostructures were evaluated against clinically relevant pathogens, including Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, assessing bacterial growth inhibition using the microdilution technique, and achieving inhibitions of 75%. Biofilm activity was evaluated through Congo red and crystal violet assays, where ultrasound-derived NPs proved to be good inhibitors for all pathogens. Finally, the toxicity of the nanoparticles was analyzed against peripheral blood leukocytes from goats as well as on the 3 T3-L1 cell line used in anti-obesity assays; the nanoparticles proved to be suitable in all concentrations reaching around 100% cell viability, positioning them as good candidates for diverse industrial applications that align with the principles of green chemistry towards a circular economy. Full article

Reconstruction of extensive bone defects due to age, trauma, or post-illness conditions remains challenging. Biomimetic scaffolds with osteogenic capabilities have been proposed as an alternative to the classical autograft and allograft implants. Three-dimensional scaffolds were obtained based on Ce-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) and Spongia agaricina (SA) as sacrificial templates functionalized with vitamin D₃. The study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D₃ functionalization on the optimal variant of a 3D scaffold doped with 3 mol% ceria, selected in our previous work based on its biological and physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the non-functionalized/functionalized scaffolds revealed a porous structure with interconnected pores ranging from 100 to 350 μm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM analysis confirmed the surface functionalization. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed that all investigated scaffolds do not exhibit cytotoxicity and genotoxicity toward the Saos-2 osteosarcoma cell line. Moreover, the study demonstrated that functionalization with vitamin D₃ enhanced osteogenic activity in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by increasing calcium deposition and osteocalcin secretion, as determined by Alizarin red stain and a colorimetric ELISA kit, as a result of its synergistic action with cerium ions. The results showed that the Ce-doped MBG scaffold functionalized with vitamin D₃ had the potential for applications in bone regeneration. Full article

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following major ABO-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a challenging complication, affecting 7–10% of patients and significantly impacts quality of life. Despite half of patients showing a resolution within three–six months after HSCT, PRCA might require treatment. Various therapeutic approaches have been investigated, including erythropoietin, plasmapheresis or immunomodulatory therapies (rituximab, bortezomib, corticosteroids, donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), or the early tapering of immunosuppressive drugs), and TPO-mimetic agents, though responses have generally remained suboptimal. Recently, daratumumab has emerged as a promising, safe, and effective treatment for PRCA, documented by numerous case reports and series. We present a case of PRCA arising in a patient with mixed chimerism following a sibling HSCT for aplastic anemia (AA). In line with the literature, our findings highlight the effectiveness of daratumumab in PRCA from the first dose, although daratumumab administrations were delayed by the onset of infectious complications. Our case supports the earlier introduction of daratumumab in the treatment strategy of PRCA to avoid patient exposure to ineffective therapies that carry risks of increased immunosuppression and infections. Indeed, in our specific case, the early introduction of daratumumab may interrupt the immune hematologic mechanism underlying PRCA, which, in the context of mixed chimerism, could increase the risk of graft failure. Full article